Stuff You Should Know What are land acknowledgments?
May 10, 2022
The podcast delves into the significance and controversies surrounding land acknowledgments. It traces their historical roots and cultural importance, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement with Indigenous communities. Listeners learn about the challenges of navigating these acknowledgments in professional settings and the pitfalls of superficial gestures. Humorous moments intertwine with serious discussions about honoring Indigenous heritage and the land back movement, pushing for meaningful action beyond mere words.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1976 Perth Arts Festival
- In 1976, Maori and Cook Islander dancers refused to perform at the Perth International Arts Festival.
- They demanded a traditional welcome by the land's owners, prompting Richard Wally to perform a welcome to country ceremony.
Spread of Land Acknowledgments
- The practice of land acknowledgments spread from a single event: the 1976 Perth Arts Festival.
- It gained traction through movements like Midnight Oil in the 80s and Australia's self-reflection in the 90s.
Guidelines for Acknowledgements
- Only indigenous people should perform Welcome to Country ceremonies on their own land.
- Non-indigenous people or indigenous people on other lands should offer an Acknowledgement of Country.